Electoral reform crucial to revive trust in elections: CEO

KABUL (Pajhwok): Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah on Sunday said electoral reform was important to regain the trust of Afghans in elections.

Abdullah, who met NATO’s senior civilian representative for Afghanistan Ismail Aramaz, thanked the international community, especially NATO member countries, for their support with the Afghan government, a statement from the CEO office said.

It said Abdullah asked NATO for more support with the Afghan security forces who were fighting against terrorists in the country.

The NATO representative insisted on continued international support for the Afghan forces and praised the Afghan government’s efforts for peace and stability through the peace process, saying lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan was in the interest of all partner countries.

Abdullah said reforming the country’s electoral regime was one of the unity government’s goals and was crucial to regain people’s trust.

He also insisted on honest cooperation from neighbouring countries with Afghanistan regarding peace talks with militants, saying “peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the interest of all countries in the region.” He said terrorism was a common challenge and needed a joint struggle to be combated.